We'll be at the Mon Valley Century on August 9.

A "Century" is cycling lingo for a 100 mile bike ride. It is the cycling equivalent of running a marathon. You may also see references to a "Metric Century", which is 100 kilometers (62 miles). In the time before trails, organized century rides were an end-of-the-season opportunity to test yourself.

The Mon Valley Century has been around for a long time. It starts in Elizabeth (right off of Route 51) and heads south. There are four different routes marked: 35 miles, 50 miles, 62 miles, and 100 miles. There is SAG support available, and food stops along the way. It has been quite a few years since I last did the Mon Valley Century. Over 10 years according to my biking log. A big reason is that it is just easier to go down to one of the trails and whip off however much distance you want. But this year I want something different, something that will be a nice change of pace for KJ and I. I don't think I ever did the Mon Valley Century with KJ, so this will be a first.

We'll signup for just the 35 miles ride. We might decide to do the 50 mile ride instead, but that will likely be a "game day decision". Both routes are reasonably flat. The 62 mile and 100 mile routes have some nasty hills, and I wouldn't recommend them if you are on a tandem or pulling a trailer of any sort.

For more information and an application, please see here. Hope to see you there! If you see a silver and blue tandem at the ride, make sure you introduce yourself!